Acceptance of cannabis has changed throughout the world, and cannabis tourism is opening up options for travelers to find 420-friendly places to visit. Before you start booking your trip, it is important to know which weed-friendly countries have legal protections as opposed to mere tolerance.

European Cannabis Hotspots: 420 Friendly places

The Netherlands is the leader of cannabis tourism, with Amsterdam’s world-famous coffeeshops being operated under a policy of tolerance. There are similar, but less tourist-crowded experiences in cities like Maastricht and The Hague. Portugal decriminalized personal cannabis use, where domestic consumption is viewed as a health issue rather than a criminal issue, resulting in an inviting atmosphere for visitors.

In Spain, cannabis social clubs provide unique experiences to consume cannabis in a private membership organization that operates legally in a bit of a grey area. There are clubs in Barcelona and Madrid.

North American Progressive Laws

Canada is the only country that has legalized cannabis comprehensively and has welcomed visitors to purchase and consume cannabis products across the country. Because there is a federal framework, visitors will have a similar experience purchasing cannabis across the country, with varied regulations and regional laws.

Some US states, like California, offer a whole variety of cannabis experiences from dispensaries in Los Angeles to cultivation tours in Northern California. Colorado was the first state in the US to legalize recreational cannabis markets with cannabis tourism in Denver, and Washington State was the first to combine cannabis consumption with outdoor recreation experiences.

Expanding South American and Asian Markets

Uruguay was the first and only nation at this time to legalize cannabis completely. There is limited tourism infrastructure, and it is primarily focused on extracting experience that emphasizes consumption by local Uruguayan citizens, rather than international tourists.

Surprisingly, Thailand has legalized medical cannabis and decriminalized personal consumption of cannabis. Bangkok and other large cities in the country have dispensaries and consumption lounges for various types of cannabis products, marking an important policy shift in Southeast Asia.

Weed friendly countries: Important Travel Planning

Doing cannabis tourism is more than simply finding weed-friendly countries to visit. International laws about transporting cannabis remain strict, no matter the policies of the destination: safe and responsible local purchase; do not transport cannabis across international borders. Travel insurance will also usually have an exclusion for drug issues; therefore, even if cannabis is legal, your insurance may not provide coverage.

Banking options can also matter since many cannabis businesses are cash-only because of banking restrictions in international banking protocols. Plan your budget accordingly and locate an ATM near the licensed dispensary you plan to visit.

Cultural Sensitivity

The most important thing that should always be remembered when visiting 420-friendly countries is to respect the local culture and environment. Cannabis tourism can influence housing markets, neighborhoods, and communities’ resources in general. Try to leave places you visit better than you found them, including trying to support local businesses that do not sell cannabis as well.

It is important to understand that some countries have tourist-friendly policies regarding cannabis, rather than culturally accepting it. Some countries tolerate it mostly for the sake of economics, rather than culturally embracing it, and you should be delicate and discreet in how you consume cannabis in those locations.